If you’re buying a box of face masks (and honestly, who isn’t), you will probably notice that each box of face masks comes with an expiration date printed on the side. Like all consumable goods, these masks aren’t meant to last a lifetime and will eventually deteriorate. However, according to a report from China Press, face masks can actually last longer than you think!

In an interview with the Chinese daily, while it is true that each box of face masks does come with an expiration date printed on the side, a family physician revealed that the dates act more as a precautionary reminder to consumers, as opposed to referring to real dates of expiry for the face masks.